Trial date set for man charged with death of trans woman Cashay Henderson
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A trial date has been set for the man charged in connection with the death of Black trans woman Cashay Henderson. Henderson, a 31-year-old Chicago woman, was found dead in her home on 26 February 2023. Firefighters responding to reports of a fire at Henderson’s house discovered her unconscious and not breathing, with a gunshot wound. Investigators later ruled the fire as arson and classified Henderson’s death as a homicide.
On 5 March, police charged 33-year-old Cordell M. Howze in connection with Henderson’s death. Howze appeared in court later that month to determine if he was fit to stand trial. According to records obtained by Fox6Now, Howze submitted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which was ultimately rejected. Now, his jury trial has been scheduled for June 2024.
Howze is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Howze had been released from Winnebago County Jail just two days before Henderson was killed. He had been in custody for violating his extended supervision sentence after being released from prison.
According to a criminal complaint, Howze had visited a friend’s house on the day Henderson was found dead and had been “acting strange.” Allegedly, he showed his friend a video of what appeared to be a dead woman and expressed his desire to kill several other people. Fearing for their safety, the friend asked Howze to leave after he pointed a gun at people.
Prosecutors have stated that Henderson’s belongings were discovered at Howze’s grandmother’s house, which aligns with evidence suggesting that he went to her house, killed her, attempted to burn the house, and stole her purse, watch, and mail.
Tragically, Henderson is the third Black trans woman to be killed in Milwaukee within nine months, following the deaths of 28-year-old Brazil Johnson and 35-year-old Regina “Mya” Allen. The string of violence against Black trans women has alarmed local communities and advocates, who are calling for justice and greater protection for transgender individuals.
In the wake of Henderson’s death, her cousin Veronica Beck launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser description highlighted Henderson’s vibrant personality, describing her as a “bubbly spirit with a down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is personality.” It also emphasized Henderson’s beauty, both inside and out, as well as the injustice of her untimely death.
The trial of Cordell M. Howze will undoubtedly be closely watched as it unfolds in June 2024. Henderson’s loved ones and the LGBTQ+ community at large hope that justice will be served and that this case will shed light on the ongoing violence faced by Black trans women. The deaths of Cashay Henderson, Brazil Johnson, Regina “Mya” Allen, and countless others serve as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for inclusivity, acceptance, and protection for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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“man charged with death of Cashay Henderson”
